Forever Chemicals in Fish Far Exceed EU Limits Across Region

The concentration of a dangerous chemical in fish far exceeds European Union limits in at least seven countries, a report by a network of environmental organizations showed.

Over half of European rivers and almost all coastal waters contain more perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, or PFOS, than the recommended limit under EU water quality rules, according to the European Environmental Bureau. The chemical’s presence in food possibly causes cancer and can impact the immune system, cholesterol levels, the liver and birth weight, EU studies found.

“Pollution of EU waters and its wildlife is widespread, yet badly underreported,” said Sara Johansson, senior policy officer at the EEB. “Coherent obligations on ...